John Deere 4640
Power
172 hp[P] hp
Production
1978-1982
Engine
Turbocharged intercooled diesel, 6-cylinder
Transmission
John Deere Quad-Range
Drive
2WD/4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 4640 Row-Crop Tractor
The John Deere 4640 is a high-horsepower row-crop tractor manufactured in Waterloo, Iowa, between 1978 and 1982. Designed for heavy-duty agricultural operations, this model integrates advanced hydraulic systems and powertrain options to meet the needs of large-scale farming.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 7.6-liter (466 cubic inch) turbocharged and intercooled six-cylinder diesel engine. It operates at a rated speed of 2200 RPM, delivering 172 horsepower. The engine features a liquid-cooling system, a 15.5:1 compression ratio, and utilizes an ether pre-heating system to facilitate cold-weather starting.
Transmission and Drivetrain
Two transmission configurations were available: the Quad-Range, providing 16 forward and 6 reverse gears, and the PowerShift, offering 8 forward and 4 reverse speeds. The Quad-Range system uses a hydraulically controlled planetary unit for under-drive, while the PowerShift allows for clutchless, on-the-move shifting. The tractor was produced in both 2WD and 4x4 HFWD configurations.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The 4640 utilizes a closed-center hydraulic system with a pump flow capacity of 23 gallons per minute (87.1 liters per minute). It is equipped with 2 or 3 remote valves and a Category III/IIIN rear hitch capable of lifting 7,328 pounds (3,323 kg). The independent rear PTO operates at 1000 RPM.
Operator Environment and Dimensions
Standard equipment includes the Sound-Gard cab, designed to reduce operator fatigue during long working hours. Steering is managed via a hydrostatic power system, paired with differential hydraulic wet disc brakes. The tractor features a 118.5-inch wheelbase and adjustable rack-and-pinion rear axles to accommodate various row spacings.
Conclusion
The John Deere 4640 remains a benchmark of late 1970s agricultural engineering, offering a balance of high power output and refined control systems. It is well-suited for demanding field tasks, particularly in row-crop environments requiring significant hydraulic capacity and reliable traction.
Videos
Production Information of John Deere, 4640
- Row-Crop tractor
- Built in Waterloo, Iowa, USA
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer(optional) | $53,123 (1982 Power Shift Cab 2WD ) |
| Original price | $46,316 (1982 Quad-Range ROPS 2WD ) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 4640
| Wheelbase | 118.5 inches [300 cm] |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase(optional) | 108 inches (long axle) [274 cm] |
| Clearance (front axle) | 26 inches [66 cm] |
| Width | 96 inches [243 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.937 by 108 inches [99 by 2743 mm] |
| Length | 171 inches [434 cm] |
| Length(optional) | 118 inches (long axle) [299 cm] |
| Height (cab) | 117 inches [297 cm] |
| Ground clearance | 14.9 inches [37 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.937 by 96 inches [99 by 2438 mm] |
| Clearance (rear axle) | 28 inches [71 cm] |
| Rear tread | 60 to 131.5 inches [152 to 334 cm] |
| Front tread | 58 to 100 inches [147 to 254 cm] |
| Rack-and-pinion rear axle | 3.937 by 118 inches [99 by 2997 mm] |
| Ag rear | 24.5-32 |
|---|---|
| Ag front | 11.00-16 |
| Ag front(optional) | 16.5L-16.1 |
| Ag front(optional) | 14L-16.1 |
| Ag rear | 18.4-38 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 30.5-32 |
| Ag rear(optional) | 9.50-20 |
| Ag front | 10.00-16 |
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4-42 |
| Ag front(optional) | 20.8-38 |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 4640
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled
- Turbocharged intercooled diesel
- 6-cylinder
| Coolant capacity | 38 qts [36.0 L] |
|---|---|
| Compression | 15.5:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2400 |
| Displacement | 466 ci [7.6 L] |
| Pre-heating | Ether |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625x4.75 inches [116 x 121 mm] |
| Oil capacity | 20 qts [18.9 L] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 4640
Transmission variants 1
- Four gears (1-4) in four ranges (A-D). Power shift between pairs 1-2 and 3-4 in each range, with synchronized shift between 2-3. Two reverses in ranges A-C. Tractor must be stopped, and clutch used, to shift ranges. Power shift is provided hy a hydraulically-controlled planetary that provides an under-drive to each gear.
| Transmission | John Deere Quad-Range |
|---|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
- Clutchless shift-on-the-move power shift between all eight forward and four reverse gears. Inching pedal provided for hooking up implements and other precision work.
| Transmission | John Deere PowerShift |
|---|---|
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
- 16-speed partial power shift
- 8-speed full power shift
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 4640
- Differential hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Sound-Gard cab standard.
| Drive | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Steering | Hydrostatic power |
| Steering(optional) | 4x4 HFWD 4WD |
| Differential lock | Pedal-actuated hydraulic |
Power Information of John Deere, 4640
| Rear PTO | Independent |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO Type | 1000 (1.75) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 4640
| Type | Closed center |
|---|---|
| Pump flow | 23 gpm [87.1 lpm] |
| Capacity | 16.5 gal [62.5 L] |
| Valves | 2 or 3 |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 4640
| Rear Type | III/IIIN |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 7328 lbs [3323 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 4640
| Ground | Negative |
|---|---|
| Battery volts | 6 |
| Charging system | Alternator |
| Batteries | 2 |
Where it sits
With 172 hp[P] HP, the John Deere 4640 sits between 4630 (166 HP) and 4650 (187 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 86th percentile of 1970s models in our database (1259 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 4640 have?
The John Deere 4640 delivers 172 hp[P] HP.
What years was the John Deere 4640 produced?
The John Deere 4640 was produced in 1978-1982.
What engine does the John Deere 4640 have?
The John Deere 4640 is powered by a Turbocharged intercooled diesel, 6-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 4640 use?
The John Deere 4640 uses a John Deere Quad-Range transmission.
Is the John Deere 4640 4WD?
The John Deere 4640 is available in 2WD/4WD.